Disabled military veterans to climb iconic peaks in Yosemite National Park

Disabled U.S. military veterans will have the opportunity to climb several iconic peaks at the Yosemite National Park in commemoration of 9/11, park officials announced Tuesday. The 30 veterans are expected to reach the summits of Half Dome and El Capitan, according to officials. The climb is sponsored by Paradox Sports, a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on adaptive sports. The event is designed to honor all veterans and celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities, officials said.

Disabled U.S. military veterans will have the opportunity to climb several iconic peaks at Yosemite National Park in commemoration of 9/11, park officials announced Tuesday.

The 30 veterans are expected to reach the summits of Half Dome and El Capitan, according to officials. The climb is sponsored by Paradox Sports, a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on adaptive sports.

The event is designed to honor all veterans and celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities, officials said.

Yosemite National Park has an active Special Emphasis Program for veterans of the armed services. The park employs approximately 105 veterans, according to officials.

“The program is designed to educate, recruit and employ veterans of the armed services in Yosemite National Park. We provide educational tools, help veterans obtain their benefits, and strive to provide overall guidance to the park’s veterans,” stated Dave Henderson, a Park Ranger, disabled U.S. Army veteran, and the Special Emphasis Program manager, in a news release.

Several Yosemite rangers will accompany the groups on the climbs.

A team of three will make the first all-veteran ascent of El Capitan, officials said. Other climbing routes include the East Buttress and Zodiac routes on El Capitan and the Snake Dike Route up to the summit of Half Dome.

An event commemorating the climbs was held in Yosemite Valley on Tuesday morning. The group was joined by several Yosemite National Park employees and veterans.